The LORD Is Wonderful in Counsel

“This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.” (Isaiah 28:29)

Isaiah 28 shows how even the jobs that seem most simple and natural are guided by God. The knowledge and strength and timing for a farmer's sowing and reaping all come from God. He created seeds and sunlight and water. He invented the process for growing things out of the ground. God is omniscient (om-NISH-int), which means He is all-wise. He knows everything, from beginning to ending.

In the book of Exodus, when Moses explains how God helped the Israelites build the tabernacle, he writes that God gave the craftsmen the wisdom and skill they needed – they were aided by the "spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." Only Someone omniscient could do that!

And in 1 Kings 4, the Bible tells us that "God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore" (1 Kings 4:29). "And all the earth sought Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart" (1 Kings 10:24). Any God Who could give that kind of wisdom to a human king must be infinitely wiser than any human!

The book of Job preaches truth to us in these words – "God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom" (Job 36:5). And when Daniel is able to give God's interpretation of his king's dream, he gives God the glory for helping him: "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his" (Daniel 2:20).

Do you need counsel (advice or help)? There is no better counselor than God. He knows what He is doing in the world and in your life. He knows what you are doing and what you will do. He knows everything. James 1:5 is an invitation to anyone who wants to have the kind of wisdom only God can give – "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

We can always count on God's all-wise counsel.

My Response: » Do I lean on my own understanding, or do I trust in the LORD with all my heart? » What are some things in my life that would be good reasons to ask for counsel from God?

DW Whittle

“I know whom I have believed.”

Daniel Webster Whittle was born in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, on November 22, 1840. Born to a very godly mother, Daniel Whittle learned about God at a young age. He grew up learning Bible stories and Scripture verses, but he struggled with whether or not to give his life to Christ.

At age 21, Daniel served in the military during the Civil War. In 1861 he enlisted as a second lieutenant and left to fight for one year.

“Major Whittle,” as he would come to be known, was injured in the Civil War and lost his right arm – so he returned home. While in the war hospital, he wanted something to read. He picked up a New Testament to fill his time. While he was reading it, a nurse approached him and asked him to speak to another soldier who was dying. Daniel declined, but the nurse pressed him further. Daniel tells this story:

“I dropped on my knees and held the boy’s hand in mine. In a few broken words I confessed my sins and asked Christ to forgive me. When I arose from my knees, he was dead. A look of peace had come over his troubled face, and I cannot but believe that God, Who used him to bring me to the Savior, used me to lead him to trust Christ’s precious blood and find pardon. I hope to meet him in heaven.”

Shortly after this experience, Daniel Whittle met another man who would influence his life deeply. He met D.L. Moody – the famous evangelist. Mr. Moody recognized that Daniel had musical gifts and encouraged him to join him in his work. Daniel agreed. Over the years, he wrote over 200 hymns, including “The Banner of the Cross,” “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing,” and “Moment by Moment.”

How are you using the gifts and spiritual heritage that God has given you? God gives us chances every day to witness. Are you witnessing?

1 Peter 3:15 – But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

Description of God

Chosen Out of the People, Mighty and ExaltedPsalm 89:19 – "Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people."

Question & Answer

Did anyone or anything create God?

No. God has always been alive and always will be alive! Psalm 90:2-3 – "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."

BIG Christian Word

Evangelism – (e-VAN-juh-liz-im)

"Evangelism" comes from the Greek-based word evangel, which means "good news" in English. To "evangelize" is to tell the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to those who do not yet know or understand God's plan of salvation. Evangelism is part of one of the most important teachings that Jesus gave the believers. Matthew 28:19-20 – "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."